After long years of anticipation and promises made by many governments, this day has finally arrived. Although we almost got the F16, and even though that aircraft was somehow pushed as the best choice for Croatia, the Government decided to modernize the Air Force with Rafale aircraft, which are certainly an excellent choice.
The purchase of 12 used Rafale F3-R aircraft was contracted with the Republic of France, ten of which are single-seaters and two are two-seaters. Today, on 25 April 2024, the first 6 planes will arrive.
Now we can finally say that we will have a modern air force. We do not underestimate our MIGs, which faithfully guarded our skies for many years and participated in the defense of Croatia, but certainly our air force deserves to be modernized and reach the highest standards in terms of military equipment. Now we can proudly say that we are entering elite circle of armies that operate the most modern warplanes.
Along with the helicopters comes a flight simulator that will help our pilots in training. Aircraft support is contracted until the fourth quarter of 2026, and there is a 12-month warranty on the aircraft itself, engines and equipment. According to projections, this aircraft will be used in the Croatian Air Force for 30 years or more.
The arrival of the plane from the French city of Bordeaux to Zagreb International Airport is expected around 12:30. For this purpose, a festive reception was organized, which will be attended by many high-ranking guests.
Promitional video
Update 11:00
The first 6 Rafale take off from France towards Zagreb, the expected landing time is 12:30
Formation of planes in flight: three groups of two planes until arrival in Croatia. Upon arrival of the aircraft in the area of the city of Zagreb, the formation changes into two groups of three aircraft each, in which the flyover of Zagreb airport is expected.
- Entry into Croatian airspace is in the territory of the Istarska County
- The height of the prleet will be 8.5 kilometers
- Flight height over Zagreb airport before landing at 1000ft or approximately 300 meters
- The flight from Bordeaux to Zagreb will take about one hour and 40 minutes
- The total fuel consumption per aircraft is about 5,500 kilograms
High-ranking guests from France arrived in Zagreb on a special flight
Update 12:00
Rafale entered Croatian airspace
Update 12:30
Rafal aircraft arrival schedule:
- First, the overflight of the Rafale aircraft is expected
- Rafale landing
- “Wings of the Storm” acro group
- Entry of the Rafal aircraft onto the taxiway
- The acro group “Wings of the Storm” flight above the Rafale and at the same time the water cannons of two MZLZ fire canons are activated
- Entry of Rafal at the parking positions
- Parking in hangars from number 6 to number 1
Update 12:43
Airplanes start landing at Zagreb International Airport.
When all planes lands, they will move in formation to the hangar.
Due to the arrival of the Rafale, civil air traffic at MZLZ was interrupted for a short time.
Update 13:00
Airplanes enter the hangars
Update 13:10
Acro Group “Wings of Storm” did not fly due to bad weather conditions
Update 13:25
Lining up in front of the plane
Update 13:40
Photos of the arrival at the hangar
Update 13:45
The press conference begins.
Everyone points out that times are more dangerous than before, and that with this cooperation between France and Croatia, Europe and Croatia become safer.
The French Ambassador congratulated the pilots and mechanics in Croatian, and wished them and the Rafales a happy homecoming.
Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić: “Dear pilots, may God protect you in your tasks of guarding the Croatian sky”.
President of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković: “Guard the Croatian sky without compromise, for the benefit of all Croats.”
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković: “Everyone’s hearts are full of this great joint achievement, which strengthens the capabilities of the HV, strengthens the strategic partnership with France. We have joined the Rafale family, and this changes our international position and also our international role in the framework of NATO and the EU.”
Croatian President Zoran Milanović: “These planes are one of the best in the world. This is how our country is defended and protected. I congratulate all those who participated in this, and I call those who fly those planes to account, to be bold and brave.”
Update 14:45
A walk around the plane
Update 15:00
End of the official ceremony.
